Frederick Spratt Obituary

Frederick Spratt Artist and educator, passed away April 29, he was 80. Fred Spratt, with his late wife Keiko Mochizuki, was the premiere impresario of the South Bay Arts Community. Born 1927 in Iowa, he learned house painting at his Grandfather's elbow. And trained as a sign painter. By 1967, Fred Spratt was recognized as a significant artist. His work being shown that year at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. During the 1970's, he honed his vision among a group of Southern California painters and sculptors concerned with "high finish." Fred crafted large, flawless color fields. A retrospective of his work is on view now at San Jose Museum of Art. Frederick Spratt held a seat on the art faculty of San Jose State University from 1956 to 1989, including nine years as Department Chair. Upon retirement, he was Acting Dean of Arts and Humanities. In 1993 Fred and Keiko founded the "Frederick Spratt Gallery". Exhibiting Major artists including George Herms, Billy Al Bengston and Robert Graham. They also launched the careers of many up-and-coming Bay Area artists. After the death of his wife Keiko in 2003, Fred continued to mount important exhibitions at the gallery. But, by 2006, failing health precluded continuation of a full exhibition schedule. Fred returned to the studio, and began a series of new paintings based on a delicate crescent shape. Frederick Spratt is survived by his daughter Kris and sons, Mike and Shahn. A memorial service will be held June 14, at The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 560 So. 1st St. San Jose, from 5 to 7PM. A potluck dinner to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art. For more information visit: www.FredSpratt.com

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jun. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Spratt

Sponsored by The San Jose Fine Arts Community.

13 Entries

Gary Willoughby

August 20, 2025

Fred lived next to me in Inglewood when I rented the old Inglewood Thrift and Loan on LaBrea, Freds' studio was on Markey Street. Since we lived within a half block from each other I spent a lot of time in his studio he would show me his latest panel painting in the gallery he had in his studio. He was a very kind man, I still miss him.

Georgia Hayes

September 11, 2014

I have fond memories of Fred who took a chance on showing a British artist, virtually unknown in America. I believe I had the last show in his gallery and he generously invited us to stay during that time. He also collected and stored the large paintings from San Francisco and stored them for a year before the show and then arranged to ship them home.

Fred Spratt. Big Red #1, 1973

Rob Corder

October 9, 2012

Rob Corder

October 7, 2012

I was delighted to see one of Professor Spratt's paintings at the San Jose Museum of Art: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rocor/7714139386/
Still brilliant and vital as ever.

Susan (Hillhouse) Leask

October 4, 2012

After all these years, I still miss Keiko and Fred. It is my great hope that they are sitting up "there" smiling down on us and at our ridiculous behaviors.

Deborah Conroy

January 31, 2009

I just learned of Fred's death through the SJSU Alumni magazine. I was an art student in the early 1980s. Fred always had a kind word for me. This meant a lot to me considering I came from a turbulent home. Fred was the head honcho in the Art Dept. but treated me and everyone else- no matter their position-with respect and thoughtfulness. He was a good person.

Rob Corder

January 23, 2009

Fred was my BFA advisor in 1980, and am so fortunate to have spent my formative years learning how to be an artist, from the greatest artist and student of art history that I know. He had endless fascinating stories about painting, painters and artists far and wide. I treasure every moment spent with him nearly 30 years later. Fred, you were the greatest in so many ways. RIP.

Margaret Stanton Murray

June 14, 2008

My sympathies to Fred's family in your loss.
Fred has been influential in my art making, teaching and commitment to living an artist's life, since I first met him as a art student in the 1950's. He was a person of vision who inspired the best efforts of all around him. In the 60s, Fred became a mentor to me, while on my committee for an MA in painting. Later, I assisted him and Keiko in the DP Fong and Spratt Gallery. We have been friends for over fifty years! With him gone, I am feeling a loss in my life's foundation. He was always there and always will be. Peace be with him.

Torchy Hunter

June 14, 2008

Thanks to Fred for many years of friendship and time, advice, and interest. There's a big hole without him.

Garry Cheney

June 13, 2008

Good Bye, God Bless and God Speed, Dr. Fred. We will see you again some day.

Garry Cheney
Marketeer
Dr. Spratt's Rennaissance Alumni Dinners for the SJSU School of Humanities and Arts

Arturo G. Fallico, IV

June 3, 2008

I have known Dr. Fred Spratt since I was 14 or 15 years old. My father, Dr. Arturo B. Fallico, who taught Philosophy at SJSU, and Fred were friends and colleagues. I used to visit his old house on Pierce Road in Saratoga, with the BIG Red barn he used to create his Art, with his son Shahn, and was always amazed at his GREAT painting and drawing abilities. He was a superior colorist and was a serious Artist. I only found out about his passing today, June 3, 2008, and know that my father, would be deeply saddedend to hear of his passing.
BRAVO Dr. Spratt you brought JOY and honor to Art & Life, and we will miss you for-ever!

John Delfino

June 2, 2008

My condolences’ to Fred's family. Fred and I go back to 1970, where he was my first art instructor after transfering to SJSU; and Keiko and I were class mates having attended the same community college in Visalia, Ca. Fred and I maintained a relationship since my graduation from SJSU in 1975. He was a mentor to me and a very special individual in my life and art experience. He taught me that we all have a responsibility to act as if our thoughts, words, and deeds matter when it comes to producting art and living life.
He will alway be in my heart and mind, like he has for the past 38 years.

Andy Goldberg

June 1, 2008

Dear Friends,
Colleagues, Artists, Collectors, Critics, Students and all those of you who visited the Gallery, viewed exhibitions of Fred's paintings, or shared a Shark's Game with him. He appreciated all of you. On behalf of Fred's daughter Kris, and his sons Shahn and Mike, thank-you for your outpouring of warm regards on the passing of their Dad.
I was unbelievably lucky to know him for 20 years. He shared so many stories with me about the art world. I'll do my best to put those memories to paper and post them to the website 'FredSpratt.com.'
Sincerely,

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results